Transfer of Hassan DC attracts severe criticism

The transfer of Deputy Commissioner V Anbu Kumar has evoked strong criticism from various quarters, including activists, politicians, officials and the people in general.

Holenarsipur MLA H D Revanna said, it was left to the government to either transfer an official or continue him. “I have nothing to say in this regard. But, transfering an official like this, with political motives, is unfortunate. Anbu Kumar had taken the lead in the interest of the district.

He was working like a district in-charge minister. The transfer has come at a time when he was making preparations for the Hoysala Utsav and also Kannada Sahitya Sammelana. So, people know that there is something fishy. Earlier, the Congress leaders burst firecrackers to celebrate after getting the transfer cancelled of a corrupt official of the city municipal council.

Now, they are celebrating the transfer of a people-friendly officer. Anbu Kumar should have been continued for at least two more months to complete the tasks undertaken,” Revanna said.

Leaders of various organisations said, no person, who wished to meet the deputy commissioner regarding one’s grievance, returned without meeting him. “Anbu Kumar, as DC, was available to people from all strata of the society. Even if an aggrieved person raised his voice, he would pacify him and take steps to solve his problem within the ambit of law.

He found solution to several problems facing the district for a long time. He revived Hoysala Utsav, which had stopped eight years ago,” they said.
A person, who used to accompany the DC throughout the day, was found in civil dress behind the DC office in a sorrow mood. He said, he was unhappy, but was helpless. “Will he be back?,” was his question.

A higher official, on condition of anonymity, said, Anbu Kumar had been transferred as he did not budge to the illegal demands of a land mafia from Arsikere and other Congress leaders. He said, the government could depute a better official to the district, but the way in which Anbu Kumar had been treated was unfortunate.
One official said, the DC held a press conference at 5 pm on Wednesday about Hoysala Utsav and moved to another meeting of officials.

“By the time the meeting was over, he got the transfer order. After the meeting, he left his car behind and walked up to his official residence. After a while, he returned to the office on foot, signed a few documents related to the transfer process. Talked to all available staffers and walked back to his house.

Meanwhile, a senior politician called him and assured that he will talk to the Chief Minister about the issue. He did not encourage him. The next morning, he has left for Bengaluru in his private car, even before anyone could notice,” he said.

Leaders of some organisations staged a protest demonstration against the untimely transfer of the official on Thursday.

Another higher official said, besides land mafia, sand mafia is also very strong in the district. “One more top official of the district, who worked in coordination with the DC in checking the land mafia, is expected to be shunted out soon. He is also prepared to pack his bags as he knows the facts,” the official added.